Community Corner

New Jersey Mom 'Forever Grateful' For Her Heart Transplant In Newark

The toughest part of facing end-stage heart failure? Not being able to see your child every day, this New Jersey transplant survivor says.

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Amy Leonard of Flemington had a heart transplant at Newark Beth Israel in March 2014. Now, ten years later, she says she is "forever grateful" to the donor and medical team that made it possible.
Amy Leonard of Flemington had a heart transplant at Newark Beth Israel in March 2014. Now, ten years later, she says she is "forever grateful" to the donor and medical team that made it possible. (Photo courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

NEWARK, NJ — If you ask Amy Leonard what the toughest part of facing end-stage heart failure is, her reply is simple: Not being able to see your child every day.

Speaking on the 10th anniversary of her heart transplant at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey, the Flemington resident urged her fellow Garden State residents to register as an organ donor – and potentially save someone’s life.

According to the NJ Sharing Network, Leonard’s medical journey began at the age of 12 when she was diagnosed with an enlarged heart and murmur. Over the years, her health deteriorated until she found herself in end-stage heart failure after giving birth to her first child.

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“The toughest part was not seeing my 5-month-old daughter every day while I was hospitalized in the ICU,” she recalled. “I was homesick, and I missed her terribly. My family’s support was what kept me going.”

Thankfully, Leonard received news that a suitable donor heart had been recovered for her transplant at Newark Beth Israel in March 2014.

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“It felt surreal,” she said. “I felt both ecstatic and guilty at the same time as the heart came from someone who had passed away and made the generous decision to give the gift of life to others.”

The ensuing transplant surgery and recovery process were challenging. But grateful for a second chance, she embraced the road back with vigor.

“I altered my lifestyle to maintain a healthy heart,” Leonard said. “I felt wonderful, no longer experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath.”

“My heart transplant gave me another chance to live and grow my family,” Leonard said. “[My husband and I] had two more beautiful girls after my transplant, and we are enjoying all that life has to offer.”

“I am truly blessed,” she adds.

According to United Network for Organ Sharing, there are over 100,000 Americans – nearly 4,000 of whom live in New Jersey – waiting for a lifesaving transplant. To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

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